Catholic Relief Services Collection

The Catholic Relief Services Collection supports Catholic Church organizations that carry out international relief and solidarity efforts. Programs include relief and resettlement for victims of persecution, war, and natural disasters; development projects to improve living conditions for the poor; legal and support services for poor immigrants; peace and reconciliation work for people suffering from violence; and advocacy on behalf of the powerless.

Due to their lack of immigration status, unaccompanied alien children are usually held in federal custody until they can be processed and released to family members or other legal custodians. Since 1994, USCCB's Department of Migration and Refugee Services (MRS) has managed a post-release service program for these children. Through community-based social service providers, MRS ensures that the children receive counseling, academic support, and medical attention.

For Enrique,* the
assistance of MRS has given him a second chance. A 16-year-old boy from El
Salvador, Enrique was forcibly recruited by a gang and prevented from leaving,
receiving threats against his life. He escaped to the United States and
reunited with his aunt. Through MRS post-release services, Enrique had the
tattoos used by the gang removed, which put him at risk for recruitment by his
old gang's counterparts in the United States. Enrique is looking forward to
starting a new way of life and is receiving legal services from an immigration
attorney.

*name changed to protect identity

Helping Jesus in Disguise

In keeping with the theme "Help Jesus in Disguise," the funds collected through the CRS Collection support vital Catholic programs
that share in the Catholic mission of promoting the sacredness of human
life and the dignity of the human person.

In a press release dated September 11, 2013, the U.S. bishops stated their full support of CRS:

"The U.S. Catholic bishops stand firmly behind CRS in its commitment to promote and defend human dignity and the sacredness of every human life from the moment of conception until natural death, and at every moment in between."

Where Does the CRS Collection Go?

Funds acquired from the CRS Collection are distributed to these six organizations:

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